A WARD closed due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus has been reopened.

The Elmstead Rehabilitation Unit at Queen Mary’s, Sidcup, closed on Monday after patients had vomiting and diarrhoea.

Three other wards, Brook, Reeves and Swanley were also closed due to sickness. Brook and Reeves were due to open on Saturday after a deep-clean, Swanley should re-open early next week.

Director of Nursing, Kate King, said: “The trust acted swiftly to contain this outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting and we anticipate being back to normal by the start of next week. “We apologise to patients and visitors for any inconvenience this has caused and thank them for their co-operation.

“I am also grateful to staff in all areas for their huge effort in ensuring the hospital continues to provide safe care for patients.”

If you visited a patient affected, wash your hands as well as using the gel provided in patient areas.

Gel must continue to be used to prevent MRSA but visitors also need to wash using soap and water as gel will not prevent the spread of norovirus.